POLICE are hunting for a motorist who is believed to have killed nine ducks in North Yorkshire.

The nine mallards were mown down on the B6165 just outside the village of Wilsill, near Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire Police said today.

Minutes earlier, they had reportedly been seen alive together at the side of the road.

PC Bill Hickson, of Pateley Bridge Police said: "This is a terrible example of careless driving. The ducks were clearly visible and the motorist responsible will have had every opportunity to slow down and pass them with care.

"This careless and callous incident has angered and upset many local people and I am urging anyone who can help identify the person responsible to get in touch with the police or Crimestoppers with information."

He said the ducks were killed last Wednesday, September 18. Deliberately killing or injuring a wild bird is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Anyone who can help police to identify the person responsible is asked to phone Bill Hickson or Pateley Bridge police on 101, or to email bill.hickson@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or to phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.